Control device, system containing the control device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a control device for a serial network protocol controller configured to selectively disable control of a parameter of a controllable media device by at least one channel while the serial network protocol controller continues to transmit the at least one channel to the at least on serial network protocol controllable media device.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/972,675, filed Aug. 21, 2013, and titled “Control Device, SystemContaining The Control Device And Method of Using the Same,” whichapplication is currently pending. This application also claims thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/707,761, filed Sep. 28, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/802,082, filed Mar. 15, 2013. Each of which are incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of control devices.In particular, the present invention is directed to a control device,system containing the control device and method of using the same.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the electrical arts. In particular, thisinvention relates to a control device for the control of at least onecontrollable media device, a system incorporating the control device anda method of using the control device.

As media displays are not only becoming more elaborate and complex, butare becoming more commonplace, the control of the controllable mediadevices used in creating the displays must become more versatile. Tothis end, controllable media devices with automated and remotelycontrollable parameters are known in the entertainment and architecturallighting markets. Such media devices are commonly used in theaters,television studios, concerts, theme parks, night clubs and other venues.Representative controllable media devices include lighting devices, suchas luminaires and dimmers, projection devices, video processors, audiodevices, media servers, effects systems, such as fog machines, and thelike. So, for example, a typical controllable lighting device will, atleast, provide remote control over intensity, color, focus, beam patternand zoom. Controllable lighting devices may further provide remotecontrol over pan and tilt among other parameters. Similarly, a typicalcontrollable projector will, at least, provide remote control overintensity, zoom, focus and input selection.

It is a difficulty in elaborate media displays, that the differentcontrollable media devices are often controlled by different protocols.Today many controllable devices are controlled by command-basedprotocols, including the RS-232 protocol, a command-based protocolcommonly used for projectors, video processors/switchers, and playbackdevices, the RS-422 protocol and, in particular, the Sony Decklinkextended RS-422 protocol, commonly used to trigger playback devices,such as analog and digital VTR decks, media servers and the like, aswell as certain Ethernet-based protocols.

It is also known to control certain controllable media devices throughthe industry standard state-based protocols, such as DMX-512. DMX-512was developed by the United States Institute of Theatre Technology(USITT) in 1986 and has since been adopted and revised by theEntertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) as an ANSIstandard, E1.11. This is an EIA RS-485 based serial network protocoldesigned to transmit 512 bytes of data (or channels) from a DMX-512controller to a number of serially connected media device controllers.

A controllable media device controller that uses DMX-512 for controluses a number of discrete channels to control various media deviceparameters. Each controllable media device is designed by itsmanufacturer with a number of such controllable parameters that respondto a pre-defined mapping of the channels. Typically, the assignmentmapping of DMX-512 channels to the internal control channels and henceto physical parameters is fixed within the media device. For example,channels 1 and 2 may control pan and tilt, 3 may control zoom and so on.Additionally, each of the channels has multiple levels, or amplitudesettings, to produce different values for the parameters within thechannels. The amplitude level on each channel can be set to one of up to255 discrete levels. The mappings of the values within the channels toparticular commands for a parameter are also fixed within the mediadevice.

It is a drawback of such DMX-512 and other state-based protocolcontrollable devices, that the controller has control over all exposedparameters whether all the parameters are to be used or not. Thisresults in the user often changing parameters that should not bemodified. With a DMX-512 controllable projector, for example, the usermay want control over only intensity and input selection, but not zoomor focus, so that a controller user will not inadvertently adjustparameters, that a projectionist may have spent hours manually setting.

A manufacturer may offer more than one such mapping selectable as adifferent “protocol mode” or “library” option. It remains a drawback,however, that the user cannot freely decide which parameters to use. Itis a further drawback of this approach that the library file format isdifferent for every brand/type of control requiring the media devicecontroller include a large number of library files in order to supportmultiple media devices

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one implementation, the present disclosure is directed to a controldevice for a serial network protocol controller, the serial networkprotocol controller configured to repeatedly transmit an output signalcomposed of a plurality of channels to at least one controllable mediadevice, at least one of the plurality of channels for controlling aparameter of the at least one controllable media device. The controldevice includes a housing; a CPU and a memory disposed in the housing; aserial network protocol inlet port for communication with the serialnetwork protocol controller; and a serial network protocol outlet portfor communication with the at least one controllable media device;wherein the control device is configured to selectively disable controlof the parameter of the controllable media device by the at least onechannel while the serial network protocol controller continues totransmit the at least one channel to the at least one media device.

In another implementation, the present disclosure is directed to a mediadevice control system. The system includes a serial network protocolcontroller, a control device for the serial network protocol controllerand at least one controllable media device, the serial network protocolcontroller configured to repeatedly transmit an output signal composedof a plurality of channels to the control device, at least one of theplurality of channels for controlling a parameter of the at least onecontrollable media device. The control device includes a housing; a CPUand a memory disposed in the housing; a serial network protocol inletport for communication with the serial network protocol controller; anda serial network protocol outlet port for communication with the atleast one controllable media device, where, the control device isconfigured to selectively enable and disable control of the parameter ofthe at least one controllable media device by the at least one channelwhile the serial network protocol controller continues to transmit theat least one channel to the at least one controllable media device.

In yet another implementation, the present disclosure is directed to amethod for controlling at least one parameter of a controllable mediadevice. The steps include transmitting an output signal composed of aplurality of channels to a control device operably connected to thecontrollable media device, at least one of the plurality of channels forcontrolling a parameter of the controllable media device; andselectively disabling, with the control device, control of the parameterof the at least one controllable media device, while continuing totransmit the at least one channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top and front isometric view of one embodiment of a controldevice in accordance with the invention, with the top and front of thehousing shown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the control device shown in FIG. 1, with the topof housing shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the control device shown in FIG. 1, with thefront of housing shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the control device shown in FIG. 1, with theback of housing shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a mediadevice control system including a control device connected to aplurality of controllable media devices;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a mediadevice control system including three control devices, each controldevice connected to a plurality of controllable media devices; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrammatic views of a user interface before andafter selective disabling of a plurality of channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the invention are described below inconsiderable detail for the purpose of illustrating its principles andoperation. However, various modifications may be made, and the scope ofthe invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments describedbelow.

Disclosed is a media device control system comprising a state-basedprotocol controller, at least one device for controlling signalsgenerated by the state-based protocol controller and a plurality ofcontrollable media devices. In some embodiments, the media devicecontrol system additionally comprises a remote control unit. It is adistinct advantage of the invention that the control device is of use,not only with controllable media devices controlled by state-basedprotocols, such as the DMX-512 protocol, but by command-based protocols.For example, the control device is useful for configuration and controlof RS-232 and RS-422 protocol controlled devices.

In one aspect, the control device is configured to transmit the outputsignal composed of a plurality of channels repeatedly based on anysuitable standard state-based protocol, such as the DMX-512 protocol.Presently, a DMX-512 controller is configured to serially transmit up to512 channels. In such aspects, at least one of the plurality of channelsis for controlling a parameter of at least one DMX-512 controllablemedia device.

Details of the control device 10 are shown in FIGS. 1-4. The controldevice includes a housing 21. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, thehousing has a generally rectangular cross section with a top surface 22(FIGS. 3 and 4), a bottom surface 23 (FIGS. 3 and 4), a front surface 24(FIGS. 2 and 3), a back surface 26 (FIGS. 2 and 4) and opposing sidesurfaces 28 (FIGS. 1-4). In some aspects, the housing forms a rack mountbox dimensioned to be mounted on a rack, such as a 19″ rack (not shown)with screws (not shown) using flanges 30 (FIGS. 1-4).

In one aspect, disposed in the housing 21 is a main logic board 32(FIGS. 1-3) comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and memory. Insome embodiments, the CPU includes an Ethernet controller to provide anetwork interface for remote configuration and control of thecontrollable media devices via Wi-Fi or a Local Area Network (LAN). Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a wireless Ethernet module is includedwith the CPU to provide direct configuration and control of thecontrollable media devices using a remote control unit 89.

In still another embodiment, the central processing unit includes anembedded web server to provide a network interface for remoteconfiguration and control of the controllable media devices via theInternet. The user can access the web server either with a userinterface 60 on the control device (FIGS. 1-3) or with the remotecontrol device 89.

In one aspect, a dedicated USB charging port 36 (FIGS. 1-3) extendsthrough the front surface 22 of the housing 21 and is operably connectedto the main logic board 32. The USB charging port is of especial use forcharging mobile devices, such as the mobile devices used for remotecontrol or configuration of the controllable control devices.

In another aspect, the control device 10 is configured to include atleast one Ethernet port. In the representative embodiment shown in FIGS.1-3, the control device includes three rear external Ethernet ports 46,one front external Ethernet port 48 and one internal Ethernet port 50.The external Ethernet ports can be used for remote configuration orcontrol of any controllable media device connected to the Ethernet portsusing a suitable protocol including without limitation, industrystandard protocols, such as ArtNet, PathportNet, ETCNet, MA-Net,MA-Net2, ACN, ANSI E1.31, ANSI E1.33, SLPv2, ANSI E1.17 and the like. Insome embodiments, the Ethernet ports are included as part of an Ethernetswitch module, such as a gigabit Ethernet switch module 40 (FIGS. 1-3)disposed in the housing 21 of the signal control device 10 and incommunication with the CPU.

Other embodiments of the control device 10 can include different numbersof Ethernet ports in different locations depending on the needs of theuser. In some embodiments, the Ethernet switch module 40 includes a pairof status lights 51 positioned adjacent to each of the external Ethernetports 46 and 48 for indicating whether data is being received ortransmitted through the Ethernet ports.

In another aspect, the control device 10 is configured to include one ormore additional communication ports for configuration and control of themedia devices. In some embodiments, the additional communication portsare included as part of an input/output (I/O) module 52 disposed in thehousing 21 of the control device 10 and in communication with the CPU.

In the representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the I/O moduleincludes two serial ports 54, and, in this embodiment, two DB-9 serialports for supporting the RS232 protocol. The RS232 protocol is commonlyused for projectors, video processors/switchers, playback devices andthe like. Even when a media device does contain Ethernet connectivity,it is often desirable to use the serial port as it may require little orno configuration as opposed to the configuration that Ethernetconnectivity often requires.

The representative I/O module 52 also includes an MSTBA communicationport 55 for connection to controllable media devices configured andcontrolled using the RS422 protocol and, in particular, the SonyDecklink extended RS422 protocol. The Sony Decklink extended RS422protocol is commonly used to trigger playback devices, such as analogand digital VTR decks, media servers and the like.

The representative I/O module 52 includes an XLR-5 inlet port 58 forconnection to a DMX-512 controller and an XLR-5 outlet port 56 forconnection to at least one controllable media device configured andcontrolled using the DMX-512 protocol and, in particular, to at leastone controllable media devices configured and controlled using the RDMextended DMX-512 protocol. The DMX-512/RDM protocol is commonly used forlighting and show control. Show control provides real-time control overcontrollers and media devices connected to the other communicationports, i.e., connected to the Ethernet switching ports 46 and 48, theserial ports 54, and the MSTBA connection port 55. Show control enablesprotocol conversions between any physical port and any Ethernet-basedprotocol. This provides for, but is not limited to, the direct controlof projector functions, video switching and processing, LED walls,playback devices and controlling any device that can be connected usingany of the communication ports on the control device. In addition showcontrol provides for the programming of triggers and actions based onevents from scheduled dates or times, time-codes contact-closure or anyother incoming signal. Additionally, DMX-512/RDM can be used to controlother DMX-512 devices based on input coming from the DMX-512 ports.

In another aspect, the control device 10 is configured to providesupport for general purpose input/output (GPIO). GPIO supports at leastone input and output contact closure interface that enables the controldevice to directly control power to a device or system or a trigger asystem that is able to accept contact closure inputs. The input andoutput contact closure interfaces provide complex triggering and controlover media devices connected to the communication ports by taking asimple external input from switches, such as a musician's foot pedal ora motion sensor or a trigger on a mechanical system. In someembodiments, the control device includes at least one of an MSTBA orother communication port configured to support the GPIO control.

In another aspect, the control device is control device 10 is configuredto support a clock generator disposed in the housing 21. The clockgenerator produces time codes to trigger events or synchronize thevarious controllable media devices. In some embodiments, the time codeis an SMPTE time code.

In some embodiments, the control device 10 is configured to support MIDIShow Control and Midi time code extended protocols for linking controlof different media devices. The control device can receive inputs andgenerate outputs to provide bridging control to and from any of thecommunication ports.

In still another aspect, disposed on the front surface 24 of the housing21 of the control device 10 is a user interface 60 (FIGS. 1-3) by whicha user can operate the control device and control and or configure thecontrollable media devices, as well as monitor their status. In someaspects, the user interface includes a display 62 (FIGS. 1 and 3), suchas a touch screen display, including but not limited to an LCD touchscreen display adapted to configure or control the control device aswell as at least one of the media devices. In some further aspects, theuser interface includes at least one mechanical switch, such as a DIPswitch, operably connected to the CPU. In the representative embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of push buttons 64 (four shown in therepresentative FIGS. 1-3) are adapted to configure or control thecontrol device as well as at least one of the media devices. In someaspects, the user interface additionally includes a plurality visibleindicators 66 (FIGS. 1 and 3) including lights such as LED lights toindicate the status of the various configuration and control features.

In some aspects, the control device 10 includes a power supply 68 (FIGS.3 and 4) for supplying power to all of the electrical components of thecontrol device (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6), a power cord receptacle 70 to receivea power cord (not shown) for supplying electricity to the control deviceand on off control switch 74 (FIGS. 4 and 6) for controlling the flow ofelectricity to the power supply.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of one aspect or the invention; amedia control system 80 comprising a serial network protocol controller81 configured to transmit an output signal composed of a plurality ofchannels repeatedly to the control device 10, at least one of theplurality of channels for controlling a parameter of the at least onecontrollable media device. In the representative embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the serial network protocol controller is operably connected tothe DMX-512 input port 58 of the control device using a suitable DMX-512connection cable 82.

The control device 10, in turn, is operably connected to a plurality ofcontrollable media devices. Representative media devices include,without limitation, lighting devices, such as luminaires and dimmers,projection devices, video processors, audio devices, media servers,effects systems, such as fog machines and the like. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, a projector 83 is connected to one of theserial ports 54 using a suitable RS-232 connection cable 84, a lightingdevice 85 is connected to the DMX-512 outlet port 56 using a suitableDMX-512 connection cable 86 and a media server 87 is connected to one ofthe external Ethernet ports 46 using an Ethernet cable 88. While a firstcontrollable media device 83, a second controllable media device 85 anda third controllable media device 87 are shown in FIG. 5 one or morecontrollable media devices can be connected to the control deviceaccording to the particular needs of a user.

The remote control unit 89 can be any suitable device. Representativeremote control units include smart phones, such an Apple's iPhone.

It is a distinct advantage of the invention that the control unit can beused to configure a wide range of media devices, including DMX-512protocol controlled media devices, such as lighting devices, includingas luminaires and dimmers, projectors, video processors, audio devices,video devices, including video processors/switchers, and playbackdevices, including analog and digital VTR decks, media servers, effectssystems, including fog machines, LED walls and the like.

Additionally, the control unit 10 can be used to configure and control awide range of parameters. For example, every DMX-512 controllable mediadevice is designed by its manufacturer to include a predefined number ofcontrollable parameters. Representative parameters for a DMX-512controllable video processing device include, without limitation,contrast, gamma correction, input source selection, horizontal panning,vertical panning, tilt, zoom in and out, beam pattern, image freezing,focus, color and the like. Representative parameters, for a DMX-512controllable projector will, at least, provide remote control overintensity, zoom, focus and input selection. Additionally, the valueswithin the channels to particular commands for a parameter are fixedwithin a media device.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a media device controlsystem 90 comprises a serial network protocol controller 81 operablyconnected to a single network access point 92 via an Ethernet cable 94.Each of a plurality of control devices 10 is connected to the singlenetwork access point to form a local area network. In some embodiments,the control devices are connected by Ethernet cables 96 to the singlenetwork access point via the external Ethernet ports 46 on each of thecontrol devices. In other embodiments, the network access point can beconnected to the control devices using different types of cables andports or they can be connected wireles sly. While three control devicesand three controllable media devices connected to each of three controldevices are shown in the representative embodiment of FIG. 6, one ormore controllable media devices can be connected to one or more controldevices according to the particular needs of a user. The control devicecan configure and control each controllable media device independentlyor in combination, using the remote control unit 89.

In some embodiments, the control device is configured to identify theparticular channel or channels that are controllable by a DMX-512protocol controller. In one embodiment, the central processing unit isconfigured to identify the particular channel or channels that arecontrollable by the DMX-512 protocol controller. In another embodiment,the control device includes a separate integrated circuit, processor,logic unit or the like configured to identify the particular channel orchannels that are controllable by the DMX-512 protocol controller.

In some embodiments, the control device is configured to include aDMX-512 signal mute. The DMX-512 signal mute selectively enables anddisables control of at least one channel while allowing the DMX-512controller to continue to transmit the at least one channel on to thecontrol device. In some aspects, the control device is configured toselectively disable and/or enable control of the parameter of the atleast one channel by the DMX-512 protocol controller while allowing theDMX-512 protocol controller to continue to transmit the at least onechannel to the control device.

In one aspect, the control device 10 is configured to selectivelydisable and/or enable control of the parameter by causing the controldevice to ignore the at least one channel. And in one aspect, thecontrol device is configured with a static default value for eachdisabled channel, such that if a different value is entered for thatchannel, the incoming value is ignored and the at least one devicecontinues to use the static value.

In another aspect, the control device 10 includes software or firmwarefor selectively controlling the mute, the software or firmwareimplemented through an IOS, Windows, Linux, including Android, orsimilar operating system user interface.

It is a benefit of control device 10 configured with a mute inaccordance with the invention that the selectively disabled parameterscan then be controlled by another method, such as manually controlled orcontrolled by another command protocol. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the DMX controllable media device is a projector. TheDMX-512 protocol controller output signal includes a plurality ofchannels for controlling parameters such as intensity, input selection,zoom and focus. Using the control device in accordance with this aspectof the invention, the channels for intensity and input selection can beenabled, i.e., be controllable by a DMX-512 protocol controller, whilecontrol of the channels for zoom and focus by the media devicecontroller can be disabled, so that the zoom and focus can be manuallycontrolled by the user or by a command protocol.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the serial networkprotocol controller can be configured to transmit an output signal to acontrollable lighting device. The output signal can include, forexample, a plurality of channels for controlling parameters, such asintensity, color, focus, beam pattern, zoom, pan and tilt. Using thecontrol device in accordance with this aspect of the invention, thechannels for focus, beam pattern, zoom, pan, and tilt can be enabled, toprovide for ready control by the controller. Simultaneously, thechannels for intensity and color can be disabled to cause the device toignore any data received for that channel and prevent the user frominadvertently changing the value for the parameter otherwisecontrollable by that channel. It is a benefit of such a control devicethat, when enabled, the possibility of inadvertently changing the valueof a parameter is minimized or eliminated.

Turning now to the method of operation, in one aspect, a method forcontrolling at least one parameter of a controllable media devicecomprises transmitting an output signal composed of a plurality ofchannels repeatedly to a control device operably connected to thecontrollable media device, where at least one of the plurality ofchannels is for controlling a parameter of the controllable mediadevice. Representative parameters include, without limitation, contrastcontrol, gamma correction, input source selection, horizontal panning,vertical panning, tilt control, zoom in and out, control of the beampattern, image freezing, focus control and color control.

Control of the parameter is selectively disabled using the controldevice, while continuing to transmit the at least one channel. In oneaspect, the output signal composed of the plurality of channels isrepeatedly transmitted by a media device controller, such as a serialnetwork protocol controller. Suitable serial network protocolcontrollers include, without limitation, DMX-512 protocol controllers,ANSI E1.31 protocol controllers, Artnet protocol controllers,PathportNet protocol controllers, ETCNet protocol controllers, MA-Netcontrollers, MA-Net2 protocol controllers and ACN protocol controllers.

And in an aspect of the invention, the method further comprisesselectively enabling control of the disabled at least one parameter ofthe at least one controllable media device by the at least one channelof the plurality of channels using the control device, while continuingto transmit the at least one channel. In some embodiments, the selectiveenabling and disabling control of the parameter of the controllablemedia is by a graphical interface configured to selectively disableand/or enable control of the parameter of the controllable media deviceby the signal controller.

In some aspects, the user can control operation of at least one controldevice on a channel-by-channel basis using a graphical user interface.Shown in FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic representation of an IOS interface onthe remote control having a menu showing channels 2-12 of the mediadevice controller enabled to control, contrast, gamma, input selection,horizontal, respectively. Shown in FIG. 7B is the menu after theappropriate boxes on the user interface have been clicked to disablegamma, input selection, and test pattern.

In the foregoing specification, various aspects of the invention havebeen described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Variousmodifications and changes may be made, however, without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. The specification and figures areillustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended tobe included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention should be determined by the claims and theirlegal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. Withregard to particular embodiments described above, any benefit,advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that may cause anyparticular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or components of any or all the claims

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrativeembodiments of the invention. It is noted that in the presentspecification and claims appended hereto, conjunctive language such asis used in the phrases “at least one of X, Y and Z” and “one or more ofX, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated or indicated otherwise, shallbe taken to mean that each item in the conjunctive list can be presentin any number exclusive of every other item in the list or in any numberin combination with any or all other item(s) in the conjunctive list,each of which may also be present in any number. Applying this generalrule, the conjunctive phrases in the foregoing examples in which theconjunctive list consists of X, Y, and Z shall each encompass: one ormore of X; one or more of Y; one or more of Z; one or more of X and oneor more of Y; one or more of Y and one or more of Z; one or more of Xand one or more of Z; and one or more of X, one or more of

Y and one or more of Z.

Various modifications and additions can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the variousembodiments described above may be combined with features of otherdescribed embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicityof feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore,while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what hasbeen described herein is merely illustrative of the application of theprinciples of the present invention. Additionally, although particularmethods herein may be illustrated and/or described as being performed ina specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skillto achieve aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, thisdescription is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not tootherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control device for a serial network protocolcontroller, the serial network protocol controller configured torepeatedly transmit an output signal composed of a plurality of channelsto at least one controllable media device, two or more of the pluralityof channels for controlling corresponding parameters of the at least onecontrollable media device, the control device comprising: a housing; aCPU and a memory disposed in the housing; a serial network protocolinlet port for communication with the serial network protocolcontroller; and an outlet port for communication with the at least onecontrollable media device; wherein the control device is configured toreceive a user selection to enable or disable any one of the two or moreof the plurality of channels to enable or disable control of one or moreof the parameters by the serial network protocol controller; receive acontrol value for one of the parameters corresponding to theuser-selected disabled channel; and in response to the user selection todisable one of the two or more of the plurality of channels, ignore theuser-selected disabled channel and provide the control value to the atleast one controllable media device for control of the correspondingparameter.
 2. The control device of claim 1, further comprising awireless Ethernet controller configured to provide control of thecontrol device via Wi-Fi or via a Local Area Network.
 3. The controldevice of claim 1, wherein the CPU is configured to provide support forat least one of ANSI E1.31, Artnet, PathportNet, ETCNet, MA-Net, MA-Net2and ACN protocols.
 4. The control device of claim 1, further comprisingan embedded web server configured to provide control of the device viathe Internet.
 5. The control device of claim 1, wherein the serialnetwork protocol controller is configured for a DMX-512 protocol.
 6. Thecontrol device of claim 1, further comprising at least one additionalcommunication port for communication with a media device controllable bya protocol other than a serial network protocol used by the serialnetwork protocol controller.
 7. The control device of claim 6, whereinthe at least one additional communication port is a serial port, anEthernet port or an MSTBA port.
 8. The control device of claim 6,wherein the protocol other than the serial network protocol is RS-232 orRS-422 protocol.
 9. The control device of claim 1, wherein the parameteris intensity, contrast control, gamma correction, input sourceselection, horizontal panning, vertical panning, tilt control, zoom inand out, control of a beam pattern, image freezing, focus control orcolor control.
 10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the controldevice is configured to selectively enable control of the parameter ofthe at least one controllable media device by the at least one channelwhile the serial network protocol controller continues to transmit theat least one channel to the at least one controllable media device. 11.The control device of claim 1, wherein the control value is providedwith a command-based protocol communication.
 12. The control device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one controllable media device is acommand-based protocol controlled media device.
 13. The control deviceof claim 1, wherein the control value is a user-specified static defaultvalue.
 14. A media device control system comprising: a serial networkprotocol controller, a control device for the serial network protocolcontroller and at least one controllable media device, the serialnetwork protocol controller configured to repeatedly transmit an outputsignal composed of a plurality of channels to the control device, two ormore of the plurality of channels for controlling correspondingparameters of the at least one controllable media device and the controldevice comprising: a housing; a CPU and a memory disposed in thehousing; a serial network protocol inlet port for communication with theserial network protocol controller; and an outlet port for communicationwith the at least one controllable media device, where, the controldevice is configured to receive a user selection to enable or disableany one of the two or more of the plurality of channels to enable ordisable control of one or more of the parameters by the serial networkprotocol controller; receive a control value for one of the parameterscorresponding to the user-selected disabled channel; and in response tothe user selection to disable one of the two or more of the plurality ofchannels, ignore the user-selected disabled channel and provide thecontrol value to the at least one controllable media device for controlof the corresponding parameter.
 15. The media device control system ofclaim 14, wherein the control device further comprises a wirelessEthernet controller configured to provide control of the control devicevia Wi-Fi or via a Local Area Network.
 16. The media device controlsystem of claim 14, wherein the CPU is configured to provide support forat least one of ANSI E1.31, Artnet, PathportNet, ETCNet, MA-Net, MA-Net2and ACN protocols.
 17. The media device control system of claim 14,wherein the control device further comprises an embedded web serverconfigured to provide control of the control device via the Internet.18. The media device control system of claim 14, wherein the serialnetwork protocol controller is configured for a DMX-512 protocol. 19.The media device control system of claim 14, further comprising at leastone additional communication port for communication with a media devicecontrollable by a protocol other than a serial network protocol used bythe serial network protocol controller.
 20. The media device controlsystem of claim 19, wherein the at least one additional communicationport is a serial port or an MSTBA port.
 21. The media device controlsystem of claim 19, wherein the protocol other than the serial networkprotocol is RS-232 or RS-422 protocol.
 22. The media device controlsystem of claim 14, wherein the at least one controllable media deviceis a lighting device, a projection device, a video processor, an audiodevice, a media server or an effects system device.
 23. The media devicecontrol system of claim 14, wherein the parameter is intensity, contrastcontrol, gamma correction, input source selection, horizontal panning,vertical panning, tilt control, zoom in and out, control of a beampattern, image freezing, focus control or color control.
 24. The mediadevice control system of claim 23, wherein the control device isconfigured to selectively enable control of the parameter of the atleast one controllable media device by one of the plurality of channelswhile the serial network protocol controller continues to transmit theone of the plurality of channels to the at least one controllable mediadevice.
 25. The media device control system of claim 14, furthercomprising a remote control unit configured to display a graphical userinterface (GUI), the GUI including a menu of the two or more of theplurality of channels and corresponding ones of the parameterscontrolled by the two or more of the plurality of channels, the menuincluding a plurality of control elements for receiving a user selectionto disable or enable control by the serial network protocol controllerof any one or more of the parameters.
 26. A method for controllingparameters of a controllable media device comprising the steps of:receiving, at a control device operably connected to the controllablemedia device, an output signal from a media device controller, theoutput signal composed of a plurality of channels, two or more of theplurality of channels for controlling corresponding ones of theparameters of the controllable media device; receiving a user selectionto enable or disable any one of the two or more of the plurality ofchannels to enable or disable control of one or more of the parametersby the media device controller; receiving a control value for one of theparameters corresponding to the user-selected disabled channel; and inresponse to the user selection to disable one of the two or more of theplurality of channels, selectively disabling, with the control device,control by the media device controller of the parameter corresponding tothe user-selected disabled channel by ignoring the user-selecteddisabled channel and providing the control value to the controllablemedia device for control of the corresponding parameter.
 27. The methodof claim 26, further comprising receiving a user selection toselectively enable control of the user-selected disabled channel. 28.The method of claim 26, wherein the media device controller is a serialnetwork protocol controller.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein themedia device controller is a DMX-512 protocol controller, an ANSI E1.31protocol controller, an Artnet protocol controller, a PathportNetprotocol controller, an ETCNet protocol controller, an MA-Net, MA-Net2protocol controller or an ACN protocol controller.
 30. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the media device controller is a DMX-512 protocolcontroller.
 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the parameter iscontrast control, gamma correction, input source selection, horizontalpanning, vertical panning, tilt control, zoom in and out, control of abeam pattern, image freezing, focus control or color control.